Parsley

What you'll need:

Parsley seeds (easy to find at garden centers or supermarkets)

A pot or a patch in your garden

Regular potting soil or garden soil (parsley isn’t too picky about soil type, but it should drain well)

When to start:

Parsley grows best in cooler weather. You can start planting parsley in early spring when the soil is workable, or even in late summer for a fall harvest. It doesn't like extreme heat, so avoid the hottest part of summer if you live in a warm climate.

Choosing a spot:

Parsley loves sunlight but also tolerates partial shade. Ideally, pick a spot that gets about 4-6 hours of sun daily. If you're using pots, make sure they have drainage holes because parsley doesn’t like soggy feet!

Tip: If you’re growing parsley indoors, place it near a sunny window where it can get plenty of light.

If you're planting seeds:

1. Fill your pot or prepare your garden bed with soil.
2. Sprinkle the parsley seeds on top of the soil — don’t bury them too deep! Just lightly press them into the soil (about 1/4 inch deep).
3. Water gently to keep the soil moist but not soaking wet.
4. Seeds will take about 2-3 weeks to sprout, so be patient!
5. Once seedlings are about 2 inches tall, thin them out so they’re spaced about 6-8 inches apart. This gives each plant room to grow.

If you're planting seedlings:

1. Dig small holes in your soil or pot, just big enough to fit the root ball.
2. Place the seedling in the hole and cover the roots with soil, pressing down gently.
3. Water immediately after planting to help the roots settle in.

Tip: Parsley seeds germinate slowly, so some gardeners soak them in water overnight before planting to speed things up.

Watering:

• Parsley likes consistent moisture, so water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Don’t overwater! Parsley prefers slightly damp soil rather than being waterlogged.
• If you notice the leaves looking droopy, it’s usually a sign that it needs more water.

Feeding:

• Parsley doesn’t need heavy feeding, but a little boost every now and then helps. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month, especially if you’re growing it in a pot.
• Too much fertilizer can make parsley grow lots of leaves but reduce flavor, so keep it light.

Sunlight & Temperature:

• Parsley enjoys full sun to partial shade. If it gets too hot, provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.
• Parsley is pretty hardy, but if temperatures drop below freezing, consider covering outdoor plants or bringing potted parsley inside.

Pruning:

• To encourage bushier growth, trim the outer leaves regularly. This will also prevent the plant from getting too leggy.
• Don’t cut more than one-third of the plant at a time — parsley needs enough leaves to keep growing strong.

Tip: Regular harvesting actually helps parsley grow better, so don’t be shy about picking leaves as you need them!

When to Harvest:

• You can start harvesting parsley once it has grown several sets of leaves, usually around 70-90 days after planting seeds.
• The more you pick, the more it grows! Just always leave some leaves on the plant so it can keep producing.

How to Harvest:

• Use scissors or your fingers to snip off the outer stems close to the base of the plant. This encourages new growth from the center.
• Try to pick in the morning when the leaves are most flavorful and fresh.

Storing Parsley:

• Fresh parsley can be stored in the fridge for about a week. Wrap it loosely in a damp paper towel and put it in a plastic bag.
• For longer storage, you can freeze parsley by chopping it up and putting it in ice cube trays with water. This way, you’ll have fresh parsley ready for soups and sauces anytime!

Tip: Don’t toss parsley flowers if they appear! They’re edible and can add a nice touch to salads or garnishes.

Q: Why are my parsley leaves turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves could mean you’re overwatering. Check the soil; if it feels soggy, let it dry out a bit before watering again. It could also be a sign of nutrient deficiency — try giving it a light dose of fertilizer.

Q: Can I grow parsley indoors?

A: Yes! Parsley grows well indoors as long as it gets enough sunlight. Place it near a south-facing window or use a grow light if needed.

Q: How do I stop pests from eating my parsley?

A: Parsley is relatively pest-resistant, but sometimes aphids or caterpillars may visit. Rinse the plant with water or use an organic insecticidal soap spray to keep them away.

Q: My parsley is flowering — what should I do?

A: Flowering is normal, especially in its second year. While parsley is a biennial plant (meaning it lives for two years), it often goes to seed in the second year. You can let it flower if you want to collect seeds, or trim the flowers off to extend leaf production.

Q: Can I regrow parsley from store-bought stems?

A: Yes! Place the stems in a glass of water, and once roots develop, plant them in soil. It’s a great way to recycle kitchen scraps.